Newcastle fail with £25m bid for two-time title-winner, but he’s been called ‘too slow’

Follow us on Google Discover

Newcastle United want Edson Alvarez but have failed with their first attempt of around €30million (£25million) to sign the Ajax midfielder.

The Magpies are mostly focusing on strikers and wingers, but may also be in the market for another midfielder.

Bruno Guimaraes haș shown that isn’t made for a deep midfield role due to the impact he can make going forward.

Adding a pure holding midfielder could give Guimaraes more freedom going forward, whilst the Brazilian has even been linked with Real Madrid as they prepare to sell Casemiro to Manchester United.

Newcastle United want Edson Alvarez

The latest name on Newcastle’s radar is Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez – but the Magpies have failed with their first offer.

Mexican TV station TUDN report that Newcastle have offered around €30million (£25million) for Alvarez.

However, Ajax have rejected that offer and their board are seeking a deal worth more than €40million (£34million) for Alvarez.

Talks with Newcastle are still ongoing as the two teams look to come to an agreement over a potential deal.

Alvarez, 24, joined Ajax from Club America back in 2019 and has now turned out more than 100 times for the Amsterdam giants.

A two-time title winner under Erik ten Hag, Alvarez has played an important role for Ajax as a strong and combative defensive midfielder.

Ten Hag himself was even linked, with The Athletic reporting earlier this summer that Manchester United were eyeing up the Mexican.

Ajax legend Marco van Basten isn’t a fan though, and has previously called Alvarez ‘too slow’ and can’t cope with faster players running around him.

That’s something to consider for the Premier League given that the speed of the game is ramped up compared to the Eredivisie.

£34million seems like a hefty price for Alvarez, who cost Ajax just $17million (£14million) back in 2019, and Newcastle will hope for a compromise with the Dutch champions.